Obituary of Orest Slonowski
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It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Orest Slonowski on January 25, at the age of 92.
Orest was born in Garland, Manitoba, to Ukrainian immigrants, Victor and Helen, and was the third oldest in a family of eight. The family didn't have much, but they worked hard to survive the harsh winters. As was common at the time, the older siblings would go off to work in the mines, sending money back to the farm to buy much needed tractors and supplies.
Orest spent time at the mines of Lynn Lake, Merritt, and Riondel, before settling at the Cominco Mine in Kimberley while making his home in Cranbrook. He and his wife Dorothy grew their family starting with daughters Penny, Sandy, and son Garry.
Orest was well known for his love of hockey, and was a fixture around the Cranbrook arenas, attending Royals and Colts games in his favourite seats for many years. Although he was thrilled to watch the Royals win the Allen Cup in 82, he took more pride in the accomplishments of minor hockey, because in his mind, every kid deserved to play the greatest sport in the world.
He aptly combined hockey with his other passion by having his backyard switch between a garden and ice rink depending upon the season. His yard became a shrine to everything he loved, where every kid learned to skate, pick peas and roll in the luscious thick green grass. It was an oasis that he would spend many hours in - watering plants with a hose in the early evening, and then watching the sun set on the Steeples Range from his lawn chair.
His body had slowed down in later years, but his mind was sharp as ever. He would watch the news with his own unique takes, which often proved to be far more accurate than the commentators on a long enough horizon.
Orest made impacts on many people, but perhaps his legacy will be in his kindness and giving. Behind the gruff exterior, was a gentle soul, and it was common for kids that normally couldn't afford to attend a Royals game to get a free ticket given to them. He would also gladly give some of his harvest to neighbours, and was always the first to offer his help to anybody who asked.
Orest was many things to many people, and will be missed by all those that knew him. He was a rock steady heartbeat that you could rely upon, and after 92 years he is now finally resting, leaving behind his garden of family, which will continue to grow.
Orest was predeceased by his parents Victor and Helen, and siblings Walter, August and Paul. Orest is survived by his children Penny, Sandy and Garry (Michelle), his grandchildren Jamey (Natalie), Nick (Megan), Casey, Skylar, Zoey, Samantha, and Ryan, and great-grandchildren Trinity, Kaitlyn, Wyatt, Nathan and Haidyn, his siblings Carl, Vicki, Nestor (Lorraine), and Sophie, as well as many. nieces and nephews.
An intimate celebration of Orest's life is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Cranbrook Minor Hockey.